Preservation Alliance hosts annual event

What’s up there, above that store? What’s above that restaurant? For years people have wondered, and for the fifth year the Preservation Alliance is giving you a peek.

On Saturday, Nov. 3 the CCPA will host an Urban Loft tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that includes seven sites. Two fraternal halls, a former home being upgraded into a double business location, a site from the first tour now almost ready for occupancy, two finished and occupied lofts, the Gloria Theater and more.

Mayor Bill Bean of Urbana recently noted that the revitalization of the downtown lofts was the next “biggest” growth potential for the city of Urbana. The Preservation Alliance agrees and that is why they continue to host these tours.

Bringing these second and third floors of downtown back to occupancy will boost profitability of all downtown establishments. And the process will help preserve those buildings and their rich architectural details.

Tickets for the tour are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Advanced tickets may be purchased at the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, and downtown Urbana banks starting October 17. Advance tickets will be exchanged for tour booklets on the day of the tour at the Gloria Theater where same day tickets will be sold.